. >> reporter: loans that result in penalties, taxes, and lost interest. people in their 40s are most likely to borrow against their 401(k)s, but the financial pressure doesn't end there. another new study by aarp shows that the older you are, the higher your credit card debt. >> for the first time, people over age 50 are having more credit card debt, $2,000 more, than people who are younger. >> reporter: and that debt makes it more likely they'll borrow against their 401(k). it's a vicious cycle. how to avoid it? experts say you need a rainy day fund that's not your 401(k), and start saving separately for retirement in your 20s so you have at least a year's salary at 35, three years at 45, and by retirement at 67, you should have put away at least eight times your final salary. six years after tapping out their iras, they are both working, and once again saving for retirement. >> we worked very hard to get to where we are today. >> reporter: determined to enjoy their golden years after learning some hard lessons. chris jansing, nbc news, new york. >>> we